Hi future film fans!
Last time we featured some beautiful cameras to get started with film photography, so if you wanna take the next step, why not develop films yourself!? There are loads of how-to’s in the internet, so we thought we’d just add a little help with our 11 developing rules for beginners.
1st rule: Relax, keep calm…
2nd rule: Keep your working space clean, also while working, always keep developer and fixer separate, no eating, drinking, smoking in the darkroom, keep your hands clean.
3rd rule: Work accurately, always make sure you keep to the correct temperatures, stick to developing times, otherwise you don‘t know what to change when mistakes happen.
4th rule: If possible, use one-shot developers, they are easier to work with and more precise.
5th rule: Inverting means moving the tank slowly, not shaking it frantically. Gently invert the tank and revert it back – that‘s fine.
6th rule: Mark your fixer every time you have used it – change after 10 uses. To determine fixing time, cut the leader from the film you are about to develop and put it in some fixer. Time how long it takes for the film to become completely clear with gentle agitation. Fix your negatives for at least twice the clearing time. Do this every every developing session.
7th rule: After watering and before drying put the film into a wetting agent solution – never put the wetting agent into the developing tank! About 1 minute. Careful: the film is very sensitive now!
8th rule: Choose a dust-free space for drying your films (eg. shower cubicle). Never ever try drying your films with a blow dryer!
9th rule: Only use luke warm water for cleaning reels, tank, lids – no detergents.
10th rule: Your film is dry, when it‘s dry!
11th rule: If you are new to developing film, spend a lot of time practicing rolling film onto developing reels. With practice, it will become very easy. Until then, it can be very frustrating. Don’t worry, it’s difficult for everyone at first.
Credits for these rules & the great advice – *sethlamden & ~ausloeser - thanks guys!
Give it a go – it’s great fun and gives you a lot more room for creativity!
And if you’ve got any questions, we’re happy to help, just give us a shout!
The Filmie Crew
Continue reading →
